More homes needed to meet demand in Exmouth, Federal MP Melissa Price and Shire president Darlene Allston say

As the surge in migration to Exmouth continues, the town’s Federal MP has raised concerns in Canberra over its housing situation.

Speaking in Federal Parliament, Durack MP Melissa Price said a shortage of housing was “hindering the town’s development”.

It comes after new data from the Regional Australia Institute showed Exmouth experienced one of the largest increases in migration in regional Australia.

“Exmouth is one of Australia’s fastest growing towns and I can see why. Who wouldn’t want to live in this beautiful place?” Ms Price said in Federation Chamber.

This surge in new arrivals to Exmouth has put pressure on the town’s accommodation, which Ms Price said was being felt throughout the community.

“Local businesses are unable to secure staff due to these shortages,” she said.

“We’re seeing nurses and teachers having to stay in limited hotel accommodation.”

“Families and would-be residents alike are struggling to find any kind of accommodation.”

Exmouth Shire president Darlene Allston said the town’s growth had been faster than expected. The population is slightly more than 3000, a level it wasn’t expected to reach until 2026.

According to Ms Allston the rise of working from home, mixed with Exmouth’s laid-back culture and unique environment was the main draw for new arrivals.

“People are looking for that lifestyle, a place to bring up their kids, a place to have that work-life balance. If COVID taught us anything, that balance is something we don’t put enough emphasis on . . . that’s not going to go any time soon,” she said.

While the town is growing, this growth is ironically forcing some to leave, Ms Allston said.

“There’s a lot of businesses who have had employees leave because they haven’t been able to get accommodation. People that have been employed long term are leaving town because there is no accommodation for them,” she said.

“We want our families here, we don’t want them to leave.”

Ms Allston and Ms Price have both called on the State Government to allocate more land in the area for residential housing.

“Please, liaise with the local shire, hasten the land title lease processes to provide and make available more land,” Ms Price said.

Housing Minister John Carey has been contacted for comment.